I mean…that's a less than 3 year trend chart so "first time since we started tracking it" doesn't really mean much.

PRESIDENT TRUMP on THE RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR: I’ve settled eight wars, all of them should have been more difficult than this one.

This should have been the easiest one, but these are two people that truly hate each other. Hatred is not good for making deals. pic.twitter.com/5Cz2jQ81zw

— Department of State (@StateDept) March 24, 2026

nein51 said:

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I mean…that's a less than 3 year trend chart so "first time since we started tracking it" doesn't really mean much.

---

This paragraph from the article makes it look like it goes back to at least 2009. Maybe the graph was just spotlighting the most recent trend....


More U.S. Workers Struggling Than Thriving

For the first time since Gallup began measuring the life evaluation of the American workforce, more U.S. workers are struggling in their lives (49%) than thriving (46%). This contrasts with 2022 and 2023, when the reverse was true, with the share of U.S. employees considered "thriving" staying in the low-to-mid 50s a mark of relative resilience after pandemic disruptions. After staying steady between 57% and 60% from 2009 to 2019, the thriving rate among workers fell to 55% in 2020 before rebounding in 2021 then steadily decreasing after that.

boognish_bear said:

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nein51 said:

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I mean…that's a less than 3 year trend chart so "first time since we started tracking it" doesn't really mean much.

---

This paragraph from the article makes it look like it goes back to at least 2009. Maybe the graph was just spotlighting the most recent trend....


More U.S. Workers Struggling Than Thriving

For the first time since Gallup began measuring the life evaluation of the American workforce, more U.S. workers are struggling in their lives (49%) than thriving (46%). This contrasts with 2022 and 2023, when the reverse was true, with the share of U.S. employees considered "thriving" staying in the low-to-mid 50s a mark of relative resilience after pandemic disruptions. After staying steady between 57% and 60% from 2009 to 2019, the thriving rate among workers fell to 55% in 2020 before rebounding in 2021 then steadily decreasing after that.

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Been falling for 6 years, it appears. It will fall some more if we get a Democrat president and Congress in '28. They will undo anything Trump and throw the economy another round of uncertainty from drastic change.

boognish_bear said:

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nein51 said:

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I mean…that's a less than 3 year trend chart so "first time since we started tracking it" doesn't really mean much.

---

This paragraph from the article makes it look like it goes back to at least 2009. Maybe the graph was just spotlighting the most recent trend....


More U.S. Workers Struggling Than Thriving

For the first time since Gallup began measuring the life evaluation of the American workforce, more U.S. workers are struggling in their lives (49%) than thriving (46%). This contrasts with 2022 and 2023, when the reverse was true, with the share of U.S. employees considered "thriving" staying in the low-to-mid 50s a mark of relative resilience after pandemic disruptions. After staying steady between 57% and 60% from 2009 to 2019, the thriving rate among workers fell to 55% in 2020 before rebounding in 2021 then steadily decreasing after that.

---

Could be. I certainly believe it's true

The Treasury just quietly admitted the U.S. government is insolvent. $47.78 trillion in liabilities. $6.06 trillion in assets. My Six Penny Plan would balance the budget in five years. But that would require the government to actually stop spending money it doesn't have.…

— Rand Paul (@RandPaul) March 24, 2026

FBI director Kash Patel’s girlfriend says Michael Flynn, Tucker Carlson, Joe Kent and Candace Owens are all tied to a foreign influence operation. https://t.co/PjHkkniTfi

— Will Sommer (@willsommer) March 24, 2026

boognish_bear said:

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The Treasury just quietly admitted the U.S. government is insolvent. $47.78 trillion in liabilities. $6.06 trillion in assets. My Six Penny Plan would balance the budget in five years. But that would require the government to actually stop spending money it doesn't have.…

— Rand Paul (@RandPaul) March 24, 2026

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Media must believe Trump is likely to win in Iran......as they are already massaging our electorate for the next crisis.

However there is nothing he can do politically, or realistically d, to balance the budget.

KaiBear said:

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boognish_bear said:

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The Treasury just quietly admitted the U.S. government is insolvent. $47.78 trillion in liabilities. $6.06 trillion in assets. My Six Penny Plan would balance the budget in five years. But that would require the government to actually stop spending money it doesn't have.…

— Rand Paul (@RandPaul) March 24, 2026

---

Media must believe Trump is likely to win in Iran......as they are already massaging our electorate for the next crisis.

However there is nothing he can do politically, or realistically d, to balance the budget.

---

Budget needs to do more than balance. Some of the debt needs to be paid down so we can be ready for the next major crisis.

KaiBear said:

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EatMoreSalmon said:

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KaiBear said:

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boognish_bear said:

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The Treasury just quietly admitted the U.S. government is insolvent. $47.78 trillion in liabilities. $6.06 trillion in assets. My Six Penny Plan would balance the budget in five years. But that would require the government to actually stop spending money it doesn't have.…

— Rand Paul (@RandPaul) March 24, 2026

---

Media must believe Trump is likely to win in Iran......as they are already massaging our electorate for the next crisis.

However there is nothing he can do politically, or realistically d, to balance the budget.

---

Budget needs to do more than balance. Some of the debt needs to be paid down so we can be ready for the next major crisis.

---

Dems will never allow freebies to be cut ......Republicans will never permit massive cuts to the defense budget or to increase taxes.

---

Funny how we all know what needs to happen budget wise, but Congress is too scared to get anything done. If incumbents don't start getting primaried or voted out in generals, nothing will happen. Voters continually fail to hold their reps responsible. Thus lies the problem.

EatMoreSalmon said:

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KaiBear said:

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EatMoreSalmon said:

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KaiBear said:

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boognish_bear said:

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The Treasury just quietly admitted the U.S. government is insolvent. $47.78 trillion in liabilities. $6.06 trillion in assets. My Six Penny Plan would balance the budget in five years. But that would require the government to actually stop spending money it doesn't have.…

— Rand Paul (@RandPaul) March 24, 2026

---

Media must believe Trump is likely to win in Iran......as they are already massaging our electorate for the next crisis.

However there is nothing he can do politically, or realistically d, to balance the budget.

---

Budget needs to do more than balance. Some of the debt needs to be paid down so we can be ready for the next major crisis.

---

Dems will never allow freebies to be cut ......Republicans will never permit massive cuts to the defense budget or to increase taxes.

---

Funny how we all know what needs to happen budget wise, but Congress is too scared to get anything done. If incumbents don't start getting primaried or voted out in generals, nothing will happen. Voters continually fail to hold their reps responsible. Thus lies the problem.

---

The problem IS the voters.

Every politician knows to vote for real spending cuts or increased taxes is political suicide.

And they like their cushy jobs.

boognish_bear said:

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There’s a real chance Democrats split the vote between their many candidates for California governor, lock themselves out of the top-two election and gift the victory to Republicans. Would be one of the biggest self-owns in party history. https://t.co/2HgD6SzkUs

— Sahil Kapur (@sahilkapur) March 24, 2026

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Swalwell and Porter are two of the most repulsive politicians ...and that is saying a lot.

KaiBear said:

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EatMoreSalmon said:

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KaiBear said:

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boognish_bear said:

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The Treasury just quietly admitted the U.S. government is insolvent. $47.78 trillion in liabilities. $6.06 trillion in assets. My Six Penny Plan would balance the budget in five years. But that would require the government to actually stop spending money it doesn't have.…

— Rand Paul (@RandPaul) March 24, 2026

---

Media must believe Trump is likely to win in Iran......as they are already massaging our electorate for the next crisis.

However there is nothing he can do politically, or realistically d, to balance the budget.

---

Budget needs to do more than balance. Some of the debt needs to be paid down so we can be ready for the next major crisis.

---

Dems will never allow freebies to be cut ......Republicans will never permit massive cuts to the defense budget or to increase taxes.

---

And neither want to touch SS and Medicare.

ATL Bear said:

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KaiBear said:

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EatMoreSalmon said:

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KaiBear said:

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boognish_bear said:

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The Treasury just quietly admitted the U.S. government is insolvent. $47.78 trillion in liabilities. $6.06 trillion in assets. My Six Penny Plan would balance the budget in five years. But that would require the government to actually stop spending money it doesn't have.…

— Rand Paul (@RandPaul) March 24, 2026

---

Media must believe Trump is likely to win in Iran......as they are already massaging our electorate for the next crisis.

However there is nothing he can do politically, or realistically d, to balance the budget.

---

Budget needs to do more than balance. Some of the debt needs to be paid down so we can be ready for the next major crisis.

---

Dems will never allow freebies to be cut ......Republicans will never permit massive cuts to the defense budget or to increase taxes.

---

And neither want to touch SS and Medicare.

---

Too many Americans are counting on both and they are both end of life benefits. A 65 year old can't choose a new direction, most are on Medicare. Most count on SS as part or sadly all of their retirement.

And no, it is not smart financial planning, but that is the situation millions are in. So, no SS and Medicare will be off the table. Haley's idea of full retirement age being shifted to 70 or 72 is as close as you will get.

I am sure there are those on here that believe that they deserve having no healthcare in their 70's as they were not smart enough to live like them. But elected officials have to look at everyone, not just the gifted, Baylor Grad who lives correctly.

(Not aimed at you, this is a subject matter post. Not personal)

ATL Bear said:

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KaiBear said:

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EatMoreSalmon said:

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KaiBear said:

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boognish_bear said:

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The Treasury just quietly admitted the U.S. government is insolvent. $47.78 trillion in liabilities. $6.06 trillion in assets. My Six Penny Plan would balance the budget in five years. But that would require the government to actually stop spending money it doesn't have.…

— Rand Paul (@RandPaul) March 24, 2026

---

Media must believe Trump is likely to win in Iran......as they are already massaging our electorate for the next crisis.

However there is nothing he can do politically, or realistically d, to balance the budget.

---

Budget needs to do more than balance. Some of the debt needs to be paid down so we can be ready for the next major crisis.

---

Dems will never allow freebies to be cut ......Republicans will never permit massive cuts to the defense budget or to increase taxes.

---

And neither want to touch SS and Medicare.

---

True

Mike Johnson: Tonight we have created a new award. We are going to do something we've never done before. We will honor him with a new award. He is the first ever recipient of the America first award. That is this beautiful golden statue here, appropriate for the golden era. pic.twitter.com/SFp174yTWo

— Acyn (@Acyn) March 25, 2026

ATL Bear said:

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KaiBear said:

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EatMoreSalmon said:

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KaiBear said:

---

boognish_bear said:

---

The Treasury just quietly admitted the U.S. government is insolvent. $47.78 trillion in liabilities. $6.06 trillion in assets. My Six Penny Plan would balance the budget in five years. But that would require the government to actually stop spending money it doesn't have.…

— Rand Paul (@RandPaul) March 24, 2026

---

Media must believe Trump is likely to win in Iran......as they are already massaging our electorate for the next crisis.

However there is nothing he can do politically, or realistically d, to balance the budget.

---

Budget needs to do more than balance. Some of the debt needs to be paid down so we can be ready for the next major crisis.

---

Dems will never allow freebies to be cut ......Republicans will never permit massive cuts to the defense budget or to increase taxes.

---

And neither want to touch SS and Medicare.

---

heck no. country is like this board. Too many on the govt dole. SS and Medicare and the rest.

CNN Makes the Call

Rep. Thomas Massie is on the brink of securing a huge win for small farmers.

His PRIME Act is officially included in the 2026 Farm Bill.

If this passes, it will deliver a blow to Big Ag’s stranglehold on the meatpacking industry.

“This would make it easier for local farmers to… pic.twitter.com/tTrmARbv4T

— Farm Action (@FarmActionUS) March 25, 2026

J.R. said:

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ATL Bear said:

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KaiBear said:

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EatMoreSalmon said:

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KaiBear said:

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boognish_bear said:

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The Treasury just quietly admitted the U.S. government is insolvent. $47.78 trillion in liabilities. $6.06 trillion in assets. My Six Penny Plan would balance the budget in five years. But that would require the government to actually stop spending money it doesn't have.…

— Rand Paul (@RandPaul) March 24, 2026

---

Media must believe Trump is likely to win in Iran......as they are already massaging our electorate for the next crisis.

However there is nothing he can do politically, or realistically d, to balance the budget.

---

Budget needs to do more than balance. Some of the debt needs to be paid down so we can be ready for the next major crisis.

---

Dems will never allow freebies to be cut ......Republicans will never permit massive cuts to the defense budget or to increase taxes.

---

And neither want to touch SS and Medicare.

---

heck no. country is like this board. Too many on the govt dole. SS and Medicare and the rest.

---

Reality is that changing the rules on people with no time to adjust is a non-starter.

Could do with the under 30 crowd and transition to personal accounts, but health care at market prices?

FLBear5630 said:

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J.R. said:

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ATL Bear said:

---

KaiBear said:

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EatMoreSalmon said:

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KaiBear said:

---

boognish_bear said:

---

The Treasury just quietly admitted the U.S. government is insolvent. $47.78 trillion in liabilities. $6.06 trillion in assets. My Six Penny Plan would balance the budget in five years. But that would require the government to actually stop spending money it doesn't have.…

— Rand Paul (@RandPaul) March 24, 2026

---

Media must believe Trump is likely to win in Iran......as they are already massaging our electorate for the next crisis.

However there is nothing he can do politically, or realistically d, to balance the budget.

---

Budget needs to do more than balance. Some of the debt needs to be paid down so we can be ready for the next major crisis.

---

Dems will never allow freebies to be cut ......Republicans will never permit massive cuts to the defense budget or to increase taxes.

---

And neither want to touch SS and Medicare.

---

heck no. country is like this board. Too many on the govt dole. SS and Medicare and the rest.

---

Reality is that changing the rules on people with no time to adjust is a non-starter.

Could do with the under 30 crowd and transition to personal accounts, but health care at market prices?

---

My HC insurance issues have been well documented. It is a huge problem and I don't know how to fix other than some single payer model that fits us (there I said it). All I have to do as look at the profitability of the Insurance companies. Nobody know what costs what. quick example. Had a motorbike /moped accident (and I used to race motocross as a kid..embarrassing) ambulance took me to the clinic. they cleaned me up but hit my head on a telephone pole. had helmet on.. Blew my rotator cuff. I was On an Island called Koh lanta, ambulance took me to hospital, where I had an MRI and CT Scan , 10 scripts, visit from the orthopedic surgeon. Back in ambulance to resort. It was the best care I have ever had. The kicker is the total bill was $1850.00 . luckily I had travelers insurance and it was paid for 100%. Additionally, I have Thai HC Insurance by AXA . Gold package with private hospital. $400 per quarter. Hell I pay $2100 for crap in the US per month. plus concierge doc.

J.R. said:

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FLBear5630 said:

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J.R. said:

---

ATL Bear said:

---

KaiBear said:

---

EatMoreSalmon said:

---

KaiBear said:

---

boognish_bear said:

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The Treasury just quietly admitted the U.S. government is insolvent. $47.78 trillion in liabilities. $6.06 trillion in assets. My Six Penny Plan would balance the budget in five years. But that would require the government to actually stop spending money it doesn't have.…

— Rand Paul (@RandPaul) March 24, 2026

---

Media must believe Trump is likely to win in Iran......as they are already massaging our electorate for the next crisis.

However there is nothing he can do politically, or realistically d, to balance the budget.

---

Budget needs to do more than balance. Some of the debt needs to be paid down so we can be ready for the next major crisis.

---

Dems will never allow freebies to be cut ......Republicans will never permit massive cuts to the defense budget or to increase taxes.

---

And neither want to touch SS and Medicare.

---

heck no. country is like this board. Too many on the govt dole. SS and Medicare and the rest.

---

Reality is that changing the rules on people with no time to adjust is a non-starter.

Could do with the under 30 crowd and transition to personal accounts, but health care at market prices?

---

My HC insurance issues have been well documented. It is a huge problem and I don't know how to fix other than some single payer model that fits us (there I said it). All I have to do as look at the profitability of the Insurance companies. Nobody know what costs what. quick example. Had a motorbike /moped accident (and I used to race motocross as a kid..embarrassing) ambulance took me to the clinic. they cleaned me up but hit my head on a telephone pole. had helmet on.. Blew my rotator cuff. I was On an Island called Koh lanta, ambulance took me to hospital, where I had an MRI and CT Scan , 10 scripts, visit from the orthopedic surgeon. Back in ambulance to resort. It was the best care I have ever had. The kicker is the total bill was $1850.00 . luckily I had travelers insurance and it was paid for 100%. Additionally, I have Thai HC Insurance by AXA . Gold package with private hospital. $400 per quarter. Hell I pay $2100 for crap in the US per month. plus concierge doc.

---

I agree there are better methods for those with resources, no doubt. My wife an RN for 35 years would agree. We have very good health care capabilities in the US, but the access and administration is horrid. Visiting Singapore blew her away, we could use Raffles Medical Center less expensive than US collaborator Mayo Systems. Funny, Raffles is expanding east, not west. Singapore was impressive, if you have money...

On this site, I am usually approaching from a Public Policy perspective, big on 80/20. For 80% of the population, those choices are unattainable. They are locked into the current system and the harm done to them trying to navigate from it is worse. The cure is worse than the disease for a vast majority. This Board represents the 20%, many who even though very smart can't seem to get that concept. Any "cure" is going to have to be transitionary. MAGA doesn't get that or they don't care what happens to the little people, until they aren't able to show up to cut their lawns, clean their hotel rooms or pick up their garbage.

This Board has really turned me way more liberal talking through these things with this group that "really knows"...